This would be welcome news for almost all in the neighborhood.  I cannot honestly say I believe it given some of the practices of this organization, but it would be the right solution.

The west 87th street block association will remain vigilant in its protection of its neighborhood.

So after winning the vast majority votes to block this terrible project from all levels: from community boards, to landmarks and everywhere in between, Mayor Bloomberg’s secret deal with Chabad may now be undone!  

Hooray for justice!  But, remain vigilant neighbors!!!

For the record, I will re-post my previous comment:

As a resident of West 87th street for 12 years, and Chairman of the block association, I felt it important to add additional context to your story on the Chabad expansion on West 86th Street.

The residents of our block are entirely opposed to this development for several reasons, including: (i) the character of buildings is not consistent with its intended historic usage as a residence; (ii), the expansion plans call for a complete demolition of the buildings behind the facade to insert an over-sized facility for several hundred people; (iii), the style of the architecture is designed as a largely glass facade, which is not in synch with the character of the back of any of the buildings on the block; (iv), the synagogue, and patio above it, is build where a garden should grown and will create unwelcomed noise for the hundreds of residents with exposure to the backs of west 86th and 87th streets.

The facility is much more like a community center and synagogue than a school, causing appropriateness of use, congestion, and noise concerns. From a technical perspective, a local architect has submitted a detailed critique of the Chabad’s architectural plans to Gail Brewer and Landmarks specifying the numerous ways in which the structure is inconsistent with the character of the block. And we are concerned that the plans point to probable demolition and expansion of the building adjacent to the west, which would cause 50% more over-development, and question why we (nor Landmarks) have not been informed of such later plans.

Finally, it is also important for readers and local residents to know that the community board and its special committee resoundingly voted against the expansion in recent meetings. This development simply isn’t appropriate for 43-45 West 86th Street.

For all of those living on the block, please take the time to rally and voice our opposition to the following:

Robert Tierney, Commissioner
Landmarks Preservation Commission
Municipal Building
1 Centre Street, 9th Floor
NY, NY 10007

Tel: 212-669-7817
fax: 212-669-3844

———-

Gale Brewer
District Office
563 Columbus Ave (at 87th St.)
New York, New York 10024
Tel: 212-873-0282
Fax: 212-873-0279

Please join us in the garden across the street from 70 West 87th Street, this Tuesday, June 24th at 7pm to discuss your concerns about this project.

- Ted